go with the flojo's

Ahhh, the lazy days of summer--kicking back at the beach, pina colada in hand, leafing through a juicy novel as the tide ripples at your feet.

You wish! Try zipping around the city, hauling your toddler to gym class, racing back to pick up your preschooler from camp and take him to the playground for an hour, then running home to start dinner and the nighttime routine. If that sounds more like what your summer will entail, you'll need lightweight, comfortable shoes that will keep you on the go--whether you're at the market, at the playground, or getting to and fro.

I love the Pixie style flip-flop ($22) from the Flojo's collection--it's simple and versatile, especially in refreshing summer white (it comes in black and brown too). It has a cool silver and gray, flower/vine patterned sole, so when you slip them off to sit on the mat during your kid's music class, you can show off the pretty pattern. And talk about comfort. The straps don't dig and there's a slight wedge at the sole so you get a bit of a lift but won't strain your calf muscles the way you do with a higher wedge. The only problem is, my two-and-a-half year old daughter loves them as much as I do so I have to hide them when she's playing dress up. Also, check out the Miranda ($26), a braided-strap sandal with soft, intertwining straps and a henna-esque foot bed design (available in chestnut or black).

To see the full Flojo's collection (including surfer-inspired styles for men), go to www.flojos.com.

fashion week: just shampoo, don't rinse, don't repeat

Fashion Week came and went in a whirlwind. There were so many shows/parties/events to attend, there was barely any time to prep. Thankfully, TRESemmé, the official hair care sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, came to the rescue with its TRESemmé Salon & Lounge, located right inside the tents! Throughout the week, TRESemmé hairstylists worked their magic on fashionistas and celebs as they breezed through the venue. Even Erin Lucas of MTV's The City stopped in before heading to the Tracy Reese show. Anyway, a beauty event wouldn't be a beauty event without a gift bag and this was no exception. Everyone who visited the Lounge left with a complimentary TRESemmé FreshStart Dry Shampoo. You don't have to be a fashionista to use it. It's the most perfect tool for moms on the go. Say you haven't had a chance to wash your hair in three days--we know it's happened! Just spray some on, let it sit for a couple of minutes, then brush out and style. I just tried it and it definitely gave my hair body, shine and a fresh-smelling clean look and feel. The trick is to hold the can 8-12 inches from your hair and apply evenly. There were a couple of spots where I "overdid it" a bit and dispersed too much product so my hair looked a little flatter. Overall, it works well and fits into your purse so you can just spray and go. Apply now and you'll be freshly shampooed in time for pickup! Go to www.tresemmme.com for more info.

in the bag

There's no doubt in my mind that the expression "everything but the kitchen sink" was thought up to describe the contents of the average diaper bag. I love my trendy denim version--even though it's always jam packed with wipes, creams, disposable diaper bags, snacks, drinks, books, toys, extra clothes, medicines, hand sanitizer, and--oh, right--diapers. The Velcro closure sometimes doesn't stay closed and the bag hangs low on my stroller, weighing us down. On top of it all, I still have to stash other must-have items underneath the stroller. I've often wondered why someone can't just design the ideal diaper bag that looks good and holds everything. Dad Thorsten Kothe had the same idea. He created the Baggino ($149), a three-in-one bag that combines style and functionality with plenty of room to spare. The combination diaper bag can go from messenger bag to stroller bag to changing belt (so you don't have to put it down on unsanitary surfaces) in no time flat. It includes a changing mat, zippered pouch for parents' valuables, cell phone holder, built-in baby wipes case, five interior pockets, two side pockets, a handy key clip and a two-sided zipper which makes it reversible. And forget baby blue and powder pink--this cutting edge style comes in classic black, lime green and black with lime green. So classic, my husband won't even mind pushing the stroller... Get yours now at www.Baggino.com (the bag, not the husband!)